COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLINA - WESTERN PEOPLE (OCTOBER 21 EDITION)
The mammoth work of Ballina’s Let There Be Light committee continues behind the scenes as this energetic new voluntary group prepares for the Ballina Pumpkin Patch in the old convent grounds this Halloween weekend, the Christmas lights switch-on next month and the Ballina Christmas Market 2025 at IQ Ballina in December.
The Let There Be Light committee has designed a spectacular visual feast for this year’s town Christmas lights. Santa Claus will be in Ballina to switch on the Christmas illuminations on Sunday, November 23, with a full day of festive fun in conjunction with the Jackie Clark Collection that promises music, entertainment and celebrations for all the family.
The town centre will host the Christmas Market on December 12, 13 and 14. Working in conjunction with Mayo County Council and local community groups, the Let There be Light committee has ambitious plans for a market that will be bigger, brighter and more festive than ever before, featuring a wide range of stalls celebrating local talent and festive fare. Arts and crafts retailers will offer handcrafted gifts and art, while food retail stalls will showcase quality products for off-site enjoyment. Catering stalls will provide hot and cold food for visitors to enjoy on-site, creating a true festive atmosphere. Businesses and local producers who would like to participate in the market are invited to register their interest to secure a space at this festive celebration.
This weekend’s Ballina Pumpkin Patch is a fundraiser for the 2025 Christmas lights project in Ballina. The Halloween event takes place from October 25 to 27 in the Convent of Mercy Grounds, McDermott Street. On site will be a pumpkin market, food and coffee trucks, and games and competitions, all open from 10am to 5.30pm on each of the three days of the holiday weekend. Tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite.
